Winners:
1) Seoul Circuit Tamara BoyensLesbian - Sci-Fi / Futuristic
eBook ISBN: 978-1-944591-37-3
2) Although Seoul Circuit is billed by its publisher (Supposed Crimes), as Cyberpunk, this well-written book is written in that taut, tense, tender style that most resembles Scandinavian Noir, but with locales in Korea and Pasadena. The main character, a Technicolor lesbian named Jin, is a prize—her wry, mater-of- fact observations as the neural systems in her body begin to fail are classic cool. She’s in a race against time, and the reader is turning pages so fast, it leaves one breathless. Still, with all the challenges this casino-owner fashionista runs into, she has time for love. The author of this book, tragically, passed away early in 2017 after a failed surgical procedure, but this book rises as her testament to what we all hope for when the odds and fate are against us. Tamara Boyens’ family, friends and publisher can be proud of her abundant talent and that, even with all her own medical trauma, she was able to create great characters and a riveting story adventure that ends on the positive note Boyens herself tragically missed. One hope she knew her writing would be a memorably great legacy.
3) A great book but it needed more editing. The author passed away just before it came out (so sad) so maybe the publisher printed it as it was.
2) House of Fate Barbara Ann WrightLesbian - Sci-Fi / Futuristic
Paperback: 312 pages
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (August 15, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626397805
ISBN-13: 978-1626397804
Amazon: House of Fate Barbara Ann Wright
1) I really enjoyed this book. The scope of the plot and setting had me grinning extremely quickly, and I love, love, LOVE how the author treats the reader as though she is already familiar with the universe and plunges right in. The story didn't do what I expected it to. At first, I was a little unsettled by that, wondering how things would play out, but I realized quickly that this was a symptom of the dense plot and slick pacing. I ended up really appreciating not being able to predict what was going to happen. Most refreshing! The characters were all unique, with their own quirks and personalities, and the dialogue never felt stilted or forced; everything flowed organically, and nothing overtly manipulated or shoved the plot forward. Everything fit. I spent a whole evening rolling from spot to spot on my rug, reading and reading and reading because I didn't want to put the book down. And Annika. I adored Annika. Complex, almost innocent in a way (if you can be innocent and still be a trained assassin!), Annika went through the most complicated internal journey of everyone. I was deeply engaged with the way her views morphed and shifted, and grateful that the book did not denounce or apologize for who she had been before, but rather allowed her to grow into someone new.
2) Loved. This. Book. Wright weaves a complex, yet fast-paced adventure through the stars, taking her readers to a variety of unique and interesting places. Her plotting is completely on point, her universe is fascinating, and I cared greatly for her characters and their fate. All around a perfect read!
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